But then again, not everyone has fond memories of their college or university -- especially when they're not speaking publicly. That's why our anonymous survey results for best-loved schools are so valuable. When someone speaks well of their alma mater when no one is watching, you know they're being honest.

Every alum who took our survey recommended their old school, located in Golden, Colorado. With fewer than 5,000 undergraduates, this small public engineering and applied science college prides itself on its interdisciplinary approach and graduates who are prepared for jobs that "influence positive change in the world" -- and start, on average, at $61,000 a year.

Actually tied for second, Aggies can boast a high mid-career salary, a passion for football and alumni like Lyle Lovett, who once offered these timeless words of career advice: "It's important to be successful enough to be able to keep doing what you love."

For more colleges and universities beloved by their alums, look at our slideshow.

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